The Trump administration has taken a significant step by imposing sanctions on UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, known for her vocal criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has linked these sanctions to Albanese’s support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has faced its own set of sanctions from the United States, targeting several of its judges.
Rubio stated that the sanctions against Albanese are due to her direct engagement with the ICC, particularly in efforts to prosecute American and Israeli nationals. He characterized her as "unfit for service" as a UN Special Rapporteur. This move is expected to hinder Albanese’s ability to travel to the United States and will also block any of her assets within the country.
This action marks the latest escalation in the Trump administration's ongoing campaign against the ICC. Last year, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes in Gaza—charges they firmly deny.
Rubio also accused Albanese of promoting antisemitism, supporting terrorism, and exhibiting contempt for both the United States and Israel. The sanctions are anticipated to trigger a robust backlash from advocates who demand accountability for the civilian casualties resulting from Israel's military operations in Gaza.
Albanese has consistently argued that Western governments are failing to adequately support the rights of Palestinians residing in the occupied territories. Her forthright positions have garnered substantial support among those who believe Israeli and U.S. leaders are weaponizing accusations of antisemitism to stifle criticism of their policies.
Critics have pointed to past statements made by Albanese, including a controversial 2014 remark suggesting that the Jewish lobby influenced U.S. government decisions regarding Israel and the Palestinians. Although she later expressed regret for this comment, she has denied that it was antisemitic.
Rubio further accused Albanese of showing contempt for the U.S. by sending threatening letters to various American companies, making what he described as unfounded accusations and urging the ICC to investigate these companies and their executives. He stated, "We will not tolerate these campaigns of political and economic warfare, which threaten our national interests and sovereignty."
Earlier this month, Francesca Albanese called on multiple multinational corporations to cease their business operations with Israel, warning them of potential complicity in war crimes occurring in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. She alleged that these companies profit from what she described as an "Israeli economy of illegal occupation, apartheid, and now genocide."
In response to her report, Israel dismissed her claims as baseless, asserting that it would ultimately be forgotten in the "dustbin of history." Albanese has also criticized Donald Trump's proposal, unveiled in February, to control the Gaza Strip and forcibly relocate its residents. She condemned the plan as "unlawful, immoral, and completely irresponsible," claiming it would exacerbate the ongoing regional crisis.
The announcement of the sanctions comes at a noteworthy time, as Netanyahu is currently in Washington, where he received an extended honor cordon at the Pentagon. Albanese has previously dismissed similar allegations against her, stating in an October BBC interview, "I don't take these remarks and the defamation they carry lightly, but I know this is not about me. My predecessors understood that as well. The member states making accusations of antisemitism have done nothing to uphold international law."
Albanese's office has been approached for further comment on this developing situation.
